"Injured Indiana Pacers guard George Hill has some work ahead of him before he returns to the lineup, but he took a step in that direction Saturday when he wore a shoe on his left foot instead of a walking boot.

Hill has missed the past three games after suffering a small chip fracture in his left ankle against New Jersey on Jan. 31.

"It's not as bad as they thought it was," Hill said. "It's only a partial chip instead of it being fully chipped. They say my return is looking pretty good."

Neither Hill nor the Pacers would put a timetable on his return, but the former Broad Ripple High School and IUPUI star said his goal is to return before the All-Star break, which starts Feb. 23."